Use Taobao for samples and single items — no minimum order, higher unit price. Use 1688 for bulk restocking — factory prices, but most listings set a minimum order quantity. Test on Taobao first, then move the bulk order to 1688.
1688.com is Alibaba's domestic wholesale site — factories and wholesalers selling at the lowest prices, usually with a minimum order quantity. Taobao.com is retail: a huge range, higher unit prices, and you can buy one piece. If you are testing a product, start on Taobao. If you are stocking a shop, go to 1688.
| Site | Best for | Price | Minimum order | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1688.com | Wholesale, restocking | Lowest | Usually yes (MOQ) | MOQ, inconsistent English, sellers who ignore small buyers |
| Taobao.com | Samples, one-off buys | Retail | None | Resellers adding margin, variable quality |
| Tmall.com | Branded goods, after-sales | Higher | None | Price |
| Weidian | Small independent sellers | Varies | None | Quality varies a lot — ask me first |
MOQ is the minimum order quantity — the smallest amount that seller will sell. It is shown on every product page. If the MOQ is 100 pieces and you want 5, two things can happen: I ask the seller whether they will budge (often they will, for a slightly higher unit price), or I find a comparable listing that sells smaller. Do not assume the MOQ is fixed — assume it is negotiable until you have asked.
If you are unsure, ask me to check it. I read the original Chinese page, which is faster and more reliable than working from a machine translation.
That order costs a little more per unit on the sample and saves you from a pallet of the wrong product.
Buy from Taobao when you want one item or a sample, because there is no minimum order. Buy from 1688 when you are restocking in bulk and want factory prices, accepting that most listings carry a minimum order quantity.
MOQ is the minimum order quantity, shown on every product page. It is often negotiable: ask the seller to reduce it for a slightly higher unit price, or find a comparable listing that sells smaller quantities.
Sometimes, but usually not. 1688 is a wholesale market and most listings set a minimum. If you only need one, Taobao is almost always the better route, or tell me and I will look for a seller who ships singles.
Yes, usually. Taobao sellers are often resellers adding a margin on top of the 1688 factory price. You pay more per unit for the ability to buy one piece and for easier returns.
Want a real number for your own order? Send me the product link and the quantity. I reply with goods, freight and my service fee as one figure, usually the same day.
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